As we head into this next run of episodes, the energy around I Hope This Helps feels stronger than ever. Every conversation, every lesson, and every behind-the-scenes moment has helped shape what this podcast has become.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been part of this journey — from those who have listened since day one to those who discovered the show more recently. Your support, feedback, shares, and messages are what keep this moving forward and growing.Before diving into what’s next, here’s a look back at some of the guests who helped make this podcast possible.

Each of them brought their own story, perspective, and experience to the table, helping create real conversations around business, community, growth, health, and the challenges that come with building something meaningful.

With new episodes ahead, the focus remains the same: honest conversations with real people and lessons you can actually take with you. I’m excited for what’s coming next and thankful to continue this journey with all of you.

We’ll now be releasing new episodes every Wednesday at 9:00 AM.

Make sure to follow the podcast to stay up to date on everything happening And if nothing else… I hope this helps.

#podcast #ihopethishelps #tiktok #youtube #entrepreneurship #spotify #entrepreneur #newarknj

Part 2 of our conversation with Tom Birks, we get practical about what “good insurance” really looks like — because if you don’t get home and auto coverage right, it can be financially devastating. Tom explains why there’s no one-size-fits-all policy and how underwriting factors like zip code, roof age, siding, and distance to the fire department can change everything.

We also dive into the coverages most people overlook: liability and umbrella policies. Tom breaks down why umbrella coverage can be one of the smartest, most cost-effective ways to protect your income and assets, and how pushing too hard on price can lead to dangerous gaps — especially with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that many people don’t even realize was reduced.

If you’ve ever said “just give me the cheapest,” this episode will change how you think about insurance.

If this episode raised questions about your own insurance coverage or made you realize it’s time for a review, you can reach out directly to Tom Birks at Allstate Insurance.

📞 973-420-2427📧 ⁠tombirks@allstate.com⁠

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and YouTube — and if nothing else… I Hope This Helps.

#AutoInsurance #HomeInsurance #LiabilityCoverage#UmbrellaPolicy #InsuranceTips #Podcast #BusinessPodcast#FinancePodcast #IHopeThisHelps

In this episode of I Hope This Helps, we sit down with Tom Birks — an Allstate Insurance Agency Owner with offices in Bloomfield, NJ and the Poconos (PA) — to break down the side of insurance most people never think about until it’s too late: coverage, liability, and protecting what you’ve worked for.

Tom shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Air Force during the first Gulf War to working on Wall Street, building a career in financial services, and eventually becoming an Allstate agency owner in 2017.

Today, his agency serves clients across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, and he’s on a mission to help people understand that insurance isn’t about the cheapest payment — it’s about the right protection. We talk about why “full coverage” is often misunderstood, why liability coverage is the most important part of an auto policy, how an accident can put your income, home, and assets at risk, and why an umbrella policy might be one of the smartest moves you can make.

Tom also explains why so many homeowners are underinsured after inflation and rising rebuild costs, and how to think like a pro using the “wise use of premium” approach — putting your money where it matters most. If you’ve ever shopped insurance online just to find the lowest price, this episode will change the way you look at auto, home, life, and umbrella coverage — especially if you own a home, have a family, run a business, or are building wealth.

If this episode raised questions about your own insurance coverage or made you realize it’s time for a review, you can reach out directly to Tom Birks at Allstate Insurance.

📞 973-420-2427
📧 tombirks@allstate.com

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube — and if nothing else… I Hope This Helps

#AutoInsurance #HomeInsurance #LiabilityCoverage
#UmbrellaPolicy #InsuranceTips #Podcast #BusinessPodcast
#FinancePodcast #IHopeThisHelps